Current News

​by Andrew Abbott & David Flemming On October 23, Moody’s Investors Service announced that it was downgrading Vermont’s general obligation bond rating from Aaa to Aa1, citing demographic concerns along with the state’s unfunded pension obligations. According to Moody’s: “The downgrade of the ratings incorporates an economic base that faces low growth prospects from an aging population. At the same time, the state’s leverage, measured by debt and unfunded post-employment obligations relative to GDP, is high among states and especially among the highest rated states.”

Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets would like to remind all state farm operations that the 24^thannual winter manure spreading ban is underway. As required by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets’ (VAAFM) Required Agricultural Practices (RAPs), between December 15 and April 1, no manure or other agricultural wastes (including: compost and spoiled feed) may be spread on agricultural fields throughout Vermont.

Vermont Business Magazine NorthCountry Federal Credit Union on Wednesday presented the Vermont Foodbank with a donation of $50,000 to help feed people in the state struggling with hunger. This gift will support the Foodbank’s work of providing nutritious food and promoting health through their statewide network of community partners, working to end hunger for the 153,000 Vermonters who struggle to afford food.

University of Vermont The Vermont Research News from the Center for Research on Vermont is a bi-monthly curated collection of Vermont research -- focused on research in the Vermont "laboratory" -- research that provides original knowledge to the world and research that adds to understanding of the state's social, economic, cultural and physical environment.

Vermont Business Magazine Major Glenn Hall, who joined the Vermont State Police nearly three decades ago and rose through the ranks from road trooper to Criminal Division commander, will retire next week following a career dedicated to serving his fellow Vermonters.

Hall, who has led the Criminal Division since 2013, is one of the longest serving majors in the history of the Vermont State Police. One of the agency’s three divisions, the Criminal Division encompasses all VSP detectives and units including the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Major Crime Unit and Special Investigations.

Vermont Business Magazine Weekly unemployment claims fell steeply last week as the typical holiday season volatility continued. But year-to-year claims were higher. For the week of December 8, 2018, there were 633 claims, 229 fewer than they were the previous week, but 47 fewer than they were a year ago. The holiday season sees wild swings in claims, as retailers in particular hire and layoff workers in spikes in November and December.

Vermont Business Magazine Vermont ranks 6th nationwide in funding programs that prevent kids from using tobacco and help smokers quit, according to a report released today by leading public health groups. Vermont is spending $3.8 million this year on tobacco prevention and cessation programs, which is just 45.2 percent of the $8.4 million recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The report challenges states to do more to fight tobacco use – the nation's No. 1 preventable cause of death – and to confront the growing epidemic of youth e-cigarette use in America. In Vermont, 9.3 percent of high school students smoke cigarettes, while 12 percent use e-cigarettes. Tobacco use claims 1,000 Vermont lives and costs the state $348 million in health care bills annually.

Vermont State Police None of the threats received in Vermont (Thursday) has been determined to be credible. The FBI, US Department of Homeland Security, Vermont State Police and the Vermont Intelligence Center continue to monitor the situation, respond as appropriate and investigate the emails, which are reported to have been received across the country, in Canada and elsewhere around the world.

Vermont Business Magazine Childhood best buds, Fairfax natives and culinary entrepreneurs Tyler Stratton and Silas Pollitt are serving much more than just pizza at their new localvore restaurant. They’re serving their community, with delicious food and a gathering place for neighbors, friends and family. Stone’s Throw Pizza in Fairfax had plenty to celebrate (and eat!) at their grand opening on November 11th. Tyler, Silas and their team fired up the pizza ovens to produce specialty pies including ‘The Farmer’ (house-made white sauce, braised short ribs, toasted hazelnuts) and ‘The Harvester’ (white sauce, roasted squash, dried cherries, ricotta), alongside classics like pepperoni and cheese.

Vermont Business Magazine High school students with a passion for mathematics and science will have an exciting new opportunity starting in the fall of 2019 thanks to an innovative new program at Castleton University. The Castleton University STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) Academy is designed to provide students an immersive experience that further develops their critical thinking skills and stimulates their passions while opening their minds to careers in these high-demand areas.

"Introducing students to an immersive program like the Castleton University STEAM Academy is critical to developing their skills and cultivating their passion for learning," said Castleton University President Dr. Karen M. Scolforo. "This program will serve as a springboard to a future of lifelong learning and rewarding careers for our students."

Vermont Business Magazine This holiday season, Main Street Alliance of Vermont is making it easier for shoppers to identify local businesses that share their values. An initiative called ‘Shop Your Values’ helps shoppers locate businesses that are serving their communities by advocating for policies that support working families and foster a thriving small business economy. Businesses on the list have rallied behind policies like paid leave and high-quality, affordable health care and child care. Shoppers who wish to locate these businesses and others around the country can search on the organization’s site, shopyourvaluesmsa.com.

Vermont Business Magazine Funding is now available from the Vermont Women’s Fund at the Vermont Community Foundation for growth-stage efforts and programs that support viable career pathways and career prospects for Vermont women and girls. The Vermont Women’s Fund was established in 1994 as an enduring resource to support women and girls in the state. The Fund remains the largest philanthropic resource dedicated exclusively to this mission. A council of women from around Vermont advises the Fund and participates in its grantmaking and leadership work, including the work of its partnership with the Vermont Commission on Women and Vermont Works for Women—Change The Story—an initiative seeking to fast-track women’s economic security in Vermont.